Beauty

Do you find a signature scent and buy it in bulk or stock the bathroom shelves with an aroma for every occasion? It’s a debate that will continue as long as Gaultier and JLo continue to come up with new colognes for us to get doused with at the mall. So how do you decide? Here is a look at the pros and cons of each school of fragrant though.

Pros For Alternating Scents

One of the top reasons for alternating your choice of perfume or cologne is simply your mood. When you wake up on a bright, clear day and you’re feeling great, you want to express it and feel it and be reminded of how great the day is going to be. So, you choose the fragrance that matches your mood. This certainly is not the same fragrance you chose the day your car was towed.

Another reason for opting for more than one great scent is the changing seasons. You won’t find too many pine scented colognes wafting around in July. But, come Christmas you just might be inclined to shimmy up close to the guy on the metro who makes you think of home-for-the-holidays. Spring and summer bring out the best in light, citrus scents while fall and winter are made for heavier, spicy fragrances. The same goes for the day and night choices. Early mornings are not best suited for a rich blast of thick perfume, while a faint scent gets lost in an evening out.

This leads to the next point in favor of having a few choices when dabbing on the perfume, a formal business meeting with the executive officers isn’t really the right time to be drenched in a scent that fills the room. But, when you dancing shoulder to shoulder in a sweaty club a bit more cologne isn’t always a bad choice.

Cons For Alternating Scents

The biggest drawback to wearing more than one scent is how it mixes with your clothes and in your home. Because fragrance lingers – even after clothes have been washed – it won’t take long to have a mishmash of smells all around you. Not only does this not smell good, you won’t have the distinguishing aroma of your individual scents even when you want them.

Pros For Finding A Signature Scent

Ever have an old crush hug you after a long absence and sigh, “I forgot how good you smell.” Enough said? Depending on the scent you choose, (Is it a trendy one that everyone’s wearing?) you may just be a smell in the crowd. If you’re going for a signature scent, do some research. Go to high-end shops and sample their perfumes and colognes. After all, this is something you’ll wear every day and people will identify you by this scent. Consider… if you spray your signature scent on his pillow, he’ll think of only you. If you’re an alternating girl, that perfume could be anyone. Find a fragrance that matches your body chemistry and soon you’ll have made it your own. (Put a few coffee beans in your pocket when you’re perfume shopping so you can smell them between each sample to clear your nasal palette.)

Cons For Finding A Signature Scent

Go back to Pros For Alternating Scents and know that none of those pleasures will be yours if you become a signature scent person.

So we hear it all the time, “Blondes have more fun. Red-heads are sexy. Brunettes are intellectual. Black hair is brooding.” Just about anyone can complete the phrases about hair color and their “effect” on the human race. But is it true?

We’re a subjective culture. Clichés, advertising, and trends often determine what we think more than our own opinions and preferences – reel against it if you must, but you know it’s true. Take a look at Victoria’s Secret catalog or the cover of any popular fashion magazine from the 70’s and you’ll see that feathered, blonde hair was sexy. Now look at those same magazines or the Big Screen and your opinion has changed; brunette is the new blonde. The color of sexy is often determined by who’s wearing it – models, actresses, singers, anyone in the spotlight or on the red carpet become today’s hottest trend.

And who are we really talking about when we talk changing hair color? Women. So, it’s largely the guys who decide what the sexiest colors are. Ask your guy who he thinks is hot stuff in Hollywood, and then ask what his favorite hair color is. I’ll bet they match. Trends, television, fashion mags. What it all comes down to is sex appeal is about confidence. How many times have you been surprised to notice that a woman you thought had real appeal is really not that beautiful up close? Sex-appeal is determined by the way you carry yourself, by what you know makes you stand out or stand up. So back to the question at hand, is your hair color linked to your sex appeal?

Ask yourself these questions to find out:

What is the first thing people notice about you?

If you’ve ever colored your hair, what color made you feel most confident? Why?

Is your hair color part of your appearance, like a new pair of great fitting jeans?

No matter what color your hair is, do you have a good time and put yourself out there for the world to see?

If you answered, “My hair” to the first question then your sex appeal is linked largely to your hair. That’s okay, but take a good look at yourself every now and then and see qualities that aren’t fleeting – like are you kind, trustworthy, a good listener.

If you can identify with the next two questions, your sex appeal is affected by your hair color, but you’re balanced. If you’re all about the last question, “You go, girl!” You’ve found that sex appeal is about you and what makes You.

No matter where you fit, a good stylist is like platinum and diamonds and there’s nothing a few highlights can’t cure or at least make you forget about long enough to shop!

We all want to do our part to help save the planet. After all, we only have one earth. So we try to keep our carbon footprint small. We try to reuse products instead of buying new ones. We recycle. We try to buy eco-friendly “green” products across the board – even down to our beauty products. We have heard the reports that on average our skin may absorb up to 60% of more than 200 chemicals we are exposed to every day. And we have responded to our purchasing. From lipstick in recyclable packaging to locally manufactured natural cleansers, the natural beauty market has mushroomed (organically, of course) in recent years.

But how do we really know if what we’re buying is making a difference? And even closer to home, how do you know that what you buy is truly organic or natural? Here are some tips to help you read labels more effectively in your attempt to go green in your beauty regimen.

What to avoid

Since there are currently no hard and fast government standards for natural beauty products, words like “organic” and “natural” can mean almost anything. Some companies can get away with using them because they do include small amounts of natural or organic ingredients in addition to the other harsh industrial compounds that were always there. In most cases, those terms do not mean that the only ingredients are natural, just that some are.
It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid labels where it is difficult to pronounce the majority of the ingredients.

In particular, steer clear of products that include petroleum-based chemicals, parabens, and synthetic preservatives. Most natural beauty product manufacturers avoid these compounds anyway but always read the label to be sure.
Another common-sense approach to this dilemma is to pay attention to the packaging. When it comes to packaging materials, it is easy to see which companies are committed to the green agenda and which ones aren’t. Of course, judging a product by its bottle is not a replacement for a careful reading of the label, it can be a good way to narrow the field. Look for recycled or recyclable packaging and companies who don’t use extraneous packaging (like boxes for lipsticks or disposable plastic cases). Also, beware of huge manufacturers who may simply slap an organic label on an existing product as a marketing ploy.

What to look for

If your goal is to do your part to save the planet (and your skin) from the effects of harsh chemicals and non-eco-friendly manufacturing processes, then do some research before you buy. You can learn a lot from a website. If the company whose product you are thinking about buying has made a true commitment to being eco-friendly, it will be reflected in their overall company image and you won’t have to dig too deep to find it. Typically, the companies who are on concerned with the environment make a big deal about it – not simply to attract business, but also to help educate consumers.

Some ingredients to look for are herbs like fennel, ginger, and rosemary. Also look for products that include essential oils and honey as well as words like “wild-harvested” or “biodynamic.” Wild harvested ingredients aren’t grown on farms but are harvested right from the source: Mother Nature, while biodynamic growing is a more holistic approach to organic farming.

If going green in your beauty regimen is important to you, some preliminary research and careful reading of product labels can help put you on the right path.

If you’re a fan of watching fashion shows and indulge in the various fashion weeks, you may have noticed an old-school favorite making a comeback: the jumpsuit. While many dread this style becoming popular again, fashionistas all over can’t wait to see how designers have reinterpreted the jumpsuit and its future in fashion.

You may not have been able to pull off the jumpsuit back in the day or maybe you were born after this fashion item was long gone and forgotten but this year is seeing a new rise in the jumpsuit trend and it may be one that you’ll be interested in being a part of. These days, designers are choosing comfortable, favorable materials such as silk and other fabrics that drape itself over the body. The idea behind this approach to the jumpsuit is to sport an attitude of retro-cool. The latest styles can either be belted to draw attention to your waistline or left as is.

Jumpsuits are ideal for creating the illusion of length. The latest styles showcase creative necklines, bare shoulders or bare backs, which draws the eye upwards and adds to the illusion of added height. Jumpsuits are known for combining both the comfort of wearing pants, with the ease and simplicity of wearing a dress. This fashion trend is truly about having the best of both worlds. You can now find jumpsuits that allow you to keep things simple or dress up. For those seeking the latter, you can now indulge in donning a tailored jumpsuit, complete with satin lapels, cummerbund-like sashes, and even double-breasted closures.

To pull off this formal jumpsuit look, opt for a darker color, such as black or navy. For regular jumpsuits, keep everything simple. Accessorize your jumpsuit with sculptural jewelry, a clutch purse, and pumps or strappy sandals. You can also decide how fancy or how dressed down you want to be by what fabric the jumpsuit is made of. Regardless of what type of jumpsuit you choose, make sure to keep your hair and makeup under control. Just because your jumpsuit is a throwback to a different decade, that doesn’t mean your hair and face need to match, too. Keep your hair simple and sleek and your makeup natural and modern.

Important things to remember when it comes to shopping for the next generation of jumpsuits are to avoid loud prints and bright colors. The style of the jumpsuit is enough to draw attention so you don’t want to go overboard. Be sure to choose from styles that scream chic, classy, and retro-cool. Stay away from any jumpsuit that too closely resembles a flight suit or even worse, a catsuit. Additionally, the jumpsuit usually isn’t appropriate for the workplace, unless the atmosphere or company you work for is related to the fashion industry. While a jumpsuit can make you the envy of fellow fashionistas at a fashion magazine or boutique store, it can make you the oddball in an office environment.

Preparing for a job interview can be a nerve wrecking process, especially since the competition is stiff in these hard economic times. When it comes to women and job interviews, much of the advice available for preparation centers around what to wear, makeup tips and how to put together the best resume. But what about the hair? While it may seem superficial, there is no doubt that a woman’s appearance from head to toe does not go unnoticed by the interviewer. If you want to make the best first impression, then your hairstyle should also be a part of your job interview prep process.

One of the best tips to follow prior to heading to your job interview is to choose a hairstyle that is appropriate for the job you are applying for. For example, the majority of office jobs call for a clean and simple style. Instead of layers and layers of fabulous beach curls, opt for a more reserved, yet attractive hairstyle. A sleek and sexy French roll or chignon are examples of two hairstyles that work well for office interviews. They scream class and sophistication – not to mention putting together these styles takes a few minutes so you won’t have to worry about devoting your time getting ready for the interview on trying to get your hair together.

On that note, it is also wise to choose a style that doesn’t take forever to put together. You’ll already be stressed out and nervous as it is so don’t let yourself get too involved with fussing over your hair. If you decide to wear your tresses down, avoid coming across as a Glamazon. Sometimes sporting a glamorous hairstyle can paint you unfairly as being high maintenance. Remember, you are going to a job interview and presenting yourself as a potential employee – not a supermodel showing up to a photoshoot. Women with medium to long hair can make preparing for their interview simple by putting their hair into a clean, low ponytail. A side part and long side-swept bangs are another great styles that are easy to do and instantly creates a classy look.

However, not all job interviews are for positions in a corporate company. For those preparing for an interview for a position in retail, fashion or another industry that is not as conservative as working for a corporate company, your hairstyle choice can be a bit more outside of the box – but not too much. It is a good idea to portray the look that the company represents. While long, shiny beach waves may be overkill for a secretarial job, it is ideal for working in a trendy retail store that caters to young adults. Or if you’re working at an art store, chances are you’ll be able to sport a funkier style or cut to show your eccentricity. Regardless of the position, you’re trying to get, use your hair to add to your overall appearance as the model of the type of employee the company will want to bring on.

As exaggerated as it might be, there are some interviewers that will judge a person by their appearance instead of their skills. Because of this, the hairstyle you choose should be one that is flattering and attractive without taking away from you as a person. Make sure that your hairstyle is not distracting to the point where the interviewer is more focused on your coif than reviewing your resume.

This holiday, there is one fashion accessory that will be turning heads and creating envy among even the most fashion elite in your circle – fur. Fake or real depends on you – faux will leave you with cash left for Christmas presents… and food, and many more color and style options. Real is, well, it’s real. The choice of which to wear is made by your conscious and your wallet; the choice of how you wear it is a matter of fashion. Here are the most stylish and sexy ways to do a soft, warm wrap, scarf, ring and more.

Start with the traditional over-the-shoulder shawl. These drape like a poncho, fitted around the shoulders, open down the front. They lay like a coat that has been laid over your shoulders without putting your arms through the sleeves. This creates a very glamorous evening wrap that is intriguing and feminine. These shawls are cut in various lengths from just below the ribs down to the waist. Try on a long haired pink shawl paired with a floppy felt hat and knee-length boots.

Long pelts that drape around your neck and hang down below the waistline are one of the hottest styles this year. They are little more than a fur scarf until you belt them with two wide leather belts and pair them with thigh-high boots and skinny jeans. Think chinchilla.

A vest is a less dramatic, but equally sexy way to wear your furs. Vests are best worn over turtlenecks with clothes that are fitted with clean lines and coordinating colors. Let your fur do the talking in a bright color. Belted or tied with an extra wide, ornate ribbon or sash, vests are back on the fashion plates.

Fur is not limited to articles of clothing. It’s also a chic way to accessorize. From head to toe, it’s adorning hats, jewelry, and footwear.

Hats are reminiscent of the traditional Russian headwear in both large winter hats and trooper hats that have tie-up flaps. The large winter hats are bold and fun. The trooper hats, with flaps up or down, are eccentric and hip.
Fur boots are always-in-style when the winter months set in. This season there are two predominant designs, a knee-length lace-up boot with fur lining that escapes dramatically through the tongue all the way up your leg, and the alpaca mid-calf boot so easily identified at ski resorts the world over.

Perhaps the most fun is the furring. This little beauty is an amusing addition to the fur family. It is a tuft of fur attached to a wide ring band. These are showing up with evening wear, ski wear, and jeans. Fur rings are versatile and add a punch to almost any ensemble.

Not everything lasts forever. Even the styling tools you use each day can suffer from daily wear and tear. The best way to make the most out of the styling tools you use is to take proper care of them. Neglecting your tools will only cause them to deteriorate faster, which means replacing them. Save yourself time and money by learning how to make your styling tools last.

Curling Irons

Curling irons are perfect for giving you the volume and body you desire. However, this popular styling tool isn’t invincible. If you’ve found yourself going through 2-3 curling irons a year, chances are its human error and neglect that is wearing down your curling iron sooner than expected.

Many women use hair sprays, gel, and other substances on their hair to help protect it from the heat while curling it. This is fine but when those substances come into contact with your curling iron, the combination of heat and spray/gel can damage it, resulting in burnt, crusty residue on the curling iron itself. If enough accumulates on your curling iron, this can affect the way it curls your hair. To avoid this, wipe down your curling iron with a dry or slightly damp towel or cloth after each use.

If you find that your curling iron’s grip isn’t as tight as it used to be, check the screws on the side of the iron. Using applied pressure over time can cause the screws to become loose, causing the lack of grip on the hair. Try using a small screwdriver to tighten the screws and see if that helps instead before tossing it for another one.

Blow Dryers

It is important to clean blow dryers often. Just as you would check the lint screen on your dryer when doing laundry, you should also check your blow dryer for an accumulation of lint, hair and other debris. If too much debris gathers on your blow dryer, you could be setting yourself up for a fire hazard. Check the status of your blow dryer a few times a week or month, depending on how often you use it. The more frequently you blow-dry your hair, the faster lint and hair will gather. You can remove the debris from your blow dryer using your fingertips or a small tool like tweezers. Make sure the blow dryer is off when you’re cleaning it. If you use attachments on your blow dryer, be sure to clean those as well and replace attachments that are cracked or broken to avoid injury.

Flat Irons

Taking care of your flat iron is the same as caring for a curling iron. Since many flat irons have different types of attachment plates, make it a habit of removing them from the iron after it has cooled off and clean them thoroughly. Remove any hairs that have been snagged and don’t allow stray hairs to burn onto the attachment. Read your manual for the suggested cleaning methods and always make sure the flat iron has been unplugged and is completely cooled off before attempting to clean it.

Instead of using water and soap to clean your styling tools, which can cause a fire hazard, use a damp or dry cloth or towel and avoid using cleaning substances that contain harsh chemicals, as this can cause more harm than good.